YMCA X HP: Building Future-Ready Classrooms in the Philippines

YMCA X HP: Building Future-Ready Classrooms in the Philippines

By: Jayson A. Noga, Program Officer, YMCA of Albay Inc. Philippines

The YMCA of Albay successfully conducted the pilot implementation of the Teachers Training Program: Gen AI for Smarter Classrooms on December 9–11, 2025, at the Albay YMCA Community Hub in Legazpi City Philippines. Organized in partnership with the HP ACCESS Project, World YMCA, and YMCA of the Philippines Inc., the program marked a significant milestone in advancing digital education and equipping educators with practical, future-ready skills.

Over the course of three days, thirty-three (33) teachers, instructors, professors, and staff from Albay and Camarines Sur engaged in a comprehensive curriculum designed by the YMCA of the Philippines. The sessions began with foundational discussions on Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI, including the role of Large Language Models in supporting instructional design. Participants explored both the potential and limitations of AI, recognizing its ability to streamline lesson planning, enhance creativity, and foster active learning, while also acknowledging the importance of human facilitation and intervention in validating AI outputs.

The second day focused on the power of effective prompting and the practical use of AI tools. Educators refined prompts for lesson planning and assessments, compared the features of ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini, and experimented with Magic School AI to generate lesson plans. They also learned to maximize Canva’s AI-powered features to design presentations, activities, and instructional materials, discovering how these tools can save time and enrich classroom delivery.

On the final day, the program emphasized ethics, integrity, and student-centered AI use. Through workshops, participants developed a Teacher’s AI Code of Conduct and examined responsible integration strategies that preserve transparency, fairness, and the teacher’s role in fostering authentic learning. They also explored how students at different developmental stages engage with AI, highlighting the importance of guidance, responsibility, and ethical awareness in shaping purposeful technology use.

Educators completed the training with renewed confidence and practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly into their classrooms. Many expressed gratitude to YMCA and HP for sponsoring the initiative, noting how the tools introduced will reduce workload, improve instructional design, and allow them to focus more on student engagement. Teachers emphasized that “AI is just a tool, and teaching is a calling,” thoughtful message of Ms. Cindy Divina, a participant, noting that while AI features is a powerful support, it cannot replace the “teacher’s touch,” reminding peers that teaching remains a calling rooted in human connection.

The YMCA of Albay extends its appreciation to HP, World YMCA, and YMCA of the Philippines for their support, as well as to SDO Legazpi City and SDO Albay for their institutional partnership. Special recognition is given to Ms. Ianne Christine Aquino, General Secretary of YMCA of Albay and OIC National Program Secretary, for her leadership, and to Dr. Ranielle Miranda-Navarro for her exemplary facilitation throughout the program.

This initiative reflects the spirit of the HP Inc. , which empowers communities worldwide with accessible, future-ready digital skills. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning, YMCA Albay and its partners are building classrooms that prepare educators and students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Together, they are shaping smarter classrooms and stronger communities, ready for the future.